Terry Everett, October 18, 2004

Data released two weeks ago indicate that nearly two million new American jobs have been created since August 2003. The current national unemployment rate of 5.4 percent remains lower than the average jobless level during the 1970's, 1980's, and 1990's. Despite these gains in the workplace, clearly more can and must be done to ensure that every American wanting a job, gets one. Congress is working with the President to make that happen.

The national race for the White House has focused much attention lately on the state of the American worker and the efforts underway in Washington to promote and protect jobs. Some are blaming the Bush Administration for the loss of jobs over the last four years. This accusation ignores reality and the many factors beyond the control of Washington which have conspired to dampen the national economy. Were it not for the efforts of Congress and the Administration, America's unemployment would likely be on the rise.

It is no secret that national unemployment took a direct hit beginning in 2000 as the result of three major events - the correction of the overheated stock market, the spate of high profile corporate scandals which rocked investor confidence and robbed millions of their pensions, and the tragic and traumatic events of September 11, 2001. These major forces could have dealt a long lasting blow to the American economy. Indeed, they did result in the loss of millions of jobs. Yet action taken by lawmakers during and since that time is having positive results as the current employment figures indicate.

For starters, real tax relief for working Americans and business was passed by Congress in 2001. Lowering Federal taxes on working families and employers put more money in people's pockets while providing business flexibility to hire new employees and invest in expansion and new equipment. This tax relief buffeted the enormous shock of 9/11 on the national economy. But lowering the tax burden on workers and job providers is not enough. Other forces which impede job growth must also be addressed. High energy prices, rising health care costs, the burden of Federal regulation, unpredictable courts, and unfair trade laws are serious weights on business and job creation. These obstacles have proven too much for many companies which have located jobs overseas.

To help grow American jobs, the U.S. House passed the national energy bill (HR 6) this year to reduce our high energy costs and dependence on foreign oil. This badly-needed legislation still awaits passage in the Senate. Also this Congress, I have voted for bills to reduce needless and costly government regulations on business and to improve the affordability and accessibility of quality health care. Most recently, Congress passed the American Jobs Creation Act (HR 4520) which ends tariffs on American manufacturers and farm exports and provides tax relief to domestic manufacturers to make them more competitive at home and abroad. This provides further incentive for business to create jobs here, not overseas.

Lastly, Congress has taken steps to train displaced workers to acquire new skills for better paying jobs. The Workforce Investment Act (Public Law 105-220) allocated $4 billion in 2004 for job training and adult literacy programs. Also over the last year, Congress has approved $1.3 billion in unemployment benefits and retraining for workers who lost their jobs due to the impact of foreign trade.

Congress and the Administration are united to ensure that American business can make a profit at home and provide additional, good-paying jobs to our workers. Our combined efforts are a step in the right direction.

Congressman Terry Everett, a Republican, represents Alabama's Second Congressional District, which includes the state capitol, Montgomery.